22: Samuel and the Tribal Elders

Biblical Times Podcast

The episode deals with the transition period of Israelite society from a tribal structure to a monarchy, because of the Philistine threat to Israelite settlements.

The Philistines, who arrived in the land of Israel around 1200 BCE, initially settled in coastal cities and later penetrated inland, aiming to forcibly take over the houses and lands of the Israelites.

The Philistines excelled in military organization, advanced warfare methods, and the knowledge required to produce iron weapons.

Moreover, their society was led by skilled military commanders who cooperated in war times.

By contrast, the Israelite tribal society was led by elders with civilian roles, who did not cooperate even in times of war - weakening them all and playing into the hands of the Philistines.

The tribal elders understood the need for unity and the appointment of a king who would establish a unified army to protect all the tribes of Israel.

Chapter 8 describes their meeting with Samuel and their demand to appoint a king.

Chapter 8 reveals another critical fact: Samuel had two corrupt sons who took bribes, and despite knowing this, he prepared them to inherit his position, which the elders strongly opposed.

Samuel opposed the elders' request to appoint a king, claiming it was a rebellion against God, but God instructed him to comply with their request.

In our view, as revenge for the harsh criticism directed at his sons, Samuel chose a young man lacking self-confidence and military experience - Saul - as king.

In the following episodes, we will prove this claim and also demonstrate that Samuel brought about Saul's downfall.